Citronella Essential Oil Benefits and Uses in Aromatherapy

The best-known use of citronella essential oil (Cymbopogon nardus) is as an insect repellent, although the oil has other benefits and uses. This oil, also known as Ceylon or Sri Lanka citronella, is different from Java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus).

Basic Citronella Facts

Plant family: Poaceae.

Production: Steam distilled from the leaves of the plant, which is a perennial grass. A cousin to lemongrass, citronella is distinguished by its reddish stems.

Aroma: Lemony, sharp, sweet.

Perfume/Aromatic note: Top.

Is citronella safe to use during pregnancy? No, according to most, but not all, sources.

Is citronella essential oil safe for children? Generally, yes. Do not use on babies under 6 months. For skin use with ages 6 months to 2 years, use a blend containing no more than 0.5% citronella, that is, a maximum of 3 drops of essential oil in two tablespoons of carrier oil.

Cautions: May irritate highly sensitive or damaged skin.

Main components:

• citronellal       5.2–46.8%
• geraniol       16.8–29.1%
• (–)-citronellol  3.0–21.8%
• d-limonene     2.6–11.3%

Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Ed.

Citronella Essential Oil Benefits

Aromatica: A Clinical Guide to Essential Oil Therapeutics, Vol. 1, lists the following properties of citronella essential oil:

• Clears heat (useful for fevers, hot spells, hot flashes, etc.)
• Deodorizes
• Disinfects environmentally
• Fights bacteria and fungus
• Repels insects, especially many mosquito species
• Reduces inflammation
• Reduces spasms

The oil is useful for spasmodic and inflammatory conditions, such as acute rheumatic-arthritic conditions, and many types of pelvic pain.

The scent of citronella is uplifting and can help clear and focus the mind. This oil is a physical and emotional purifier, according to Aromatherapy: A Complete Guide to the Healing Art.

Other benefits attributed to citronella:

• Supports the immune system during colds and flu and helps relieve symptoms
• Helps relieve muscle aches and pains, headaches, and fatigue
• Freshens and clears the air

Sources: The Complete Book of Essential Oils and Aromatherapy and The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils (updated edition).

Citronella Skin Care Benefits

In skin care, the properties of citronella include deodorizing and fighting bacteria and fungus, according to The Aromatherapy Beauty Guide. Uses of the oil include:

• Acne
• Athlete's foot and other skin fungus
• Cold sores
• Excessive perspiration (in deodorants)
• Insect bites
• Oily skin or dull skin

Recommended dilution for most products is 1 to 2% (6 to 12 drops in 2 tablespoons carrier oil). However, you can use up to a 3% solution for insect repellents, dandruff shampoo, and fungus-relieving foot balms.

Spiritual and Energetic Benefits of Citronella

Citronella helps you live earthly life in cooperation and alignment with Spirit, according to Aromatherapy Anointing Oils. The oil encourages you to be present and to move through temptations.

This essential oil calms and balances the first (base) through the fourth (heart) chakras, connecting these energy centers and aligning them with the upper chakras. Other chakra uses:

• Seventh (crown) chakra: enhances spirituality and supports transformation of the spiritualized ego.
• Sixth (third eye) chakra: refreshes and uplifts the mind. Supports discernment of spiritual information.
• Fifth (throat) chakra: promotes calm, positive verbal communication.
• Second (sacral) chakra: helps you become comfortable with and accept human emotions.

Citronella's strong purification qualities are especially powerful for purifying and protecting the aura for psychic work, according to Mixing Essential Oils for Magic. The oil clears negativity; attracts love, friends, and prosperity; and helps focus the mind for communication and creativity.

Citronella Essential Oil Uses and Blends

Insect Repellent Blends

Here are three ways to use citronella as an insect repellent:

• Add 24 drops citronella to 1/2 cup distilled water in a dark glass spray bottle. Shake well and then spray exposed skin and clothing before going outside, avoiding the eyes. Repeat as needed.
• Dilute citronella in a carrier oil and apply to skin before and during outdoor activities.
• In an enclosed space, diffuse citronella with an aromatherapy diffuser.
  

Mosquito-Repelling Balm

• 1/4 cup shea butter
• 1 tablespoon fractionated coconut oil
• 15 drops citronella essential oil
• 10 drops cedarwood essential oil
• 5 drops patchouli essential oil
• 4 drops bergamot FCF (bergapten-free bergamot) essential oil
  

1. In a small container, on low heat, barely melt shea butter. Remove it from heat.
2. Stir in other ingredients and blend well.
   
3. Rub some of the balm onto exposed skin before going outside.
   
4. Store the balm in a closed container in a cool, dark place.
   

Source: Rocky Mountain Oils

Deodorant

To use this deodorant, rub a little under your arms as needed. Caution: Baking soda irritates the skin of some people. Spot test this blend before extensive use.

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons arrowroot powder
• 4 tablespoons coconut oil, softened
• 4 drops lemon essential oil
• 4 drops citronella
  

Blend baking soda and arrowroot powder into coconut oil. Stir in essential oils. Spoon mixture into small glass container.  

All-Purpose Cleaning Spray

Make this cleaning spray in a 16-ounce spray bottle.

• 1-1/2 cups distilled water
• 1 tablespoon unscented liquid castile soap
• 10 drops tea tree essential oil
• 5 to 10 drops citronella

Add ingredients to the bottle. Shake well before each use. 

Carpet Flea Remover

Remove fleas from your carpet with this powder:

• 20 drops citronella
• 10 drops lemongrass essential oil
• 1 cup borax
  

Stir the essential oils into the borax. Place the mixture into a shaker jar. Shake generously on your carpet. Let sit for one hour. Vacuum the carpet. Repeat daily until all fleas are gone.

Source: Essential Oils: Natural Remedies  

---

About the Author

Carol Wiley is a retired massage therapist and freelance writer. She uses her deep interest in aromatherapy and essential oils to research their benefits and uses and bring you summaries and blends with links to more resources.

If you find this site useful, you can show your support by buying through my affiliate links. The site is a labor of love, and I appreciate any income that helps keep it up and running.

Buy essential oils at Aromatics International or Rocky Mountain Oils.
Buy massage supplies at Massage Naturals.
Buy anything at Amazon.

---

Photo Credit: James Steakley - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0

ShareFacebookXPinterestReddit